Tent Bill (103) vetoed by Mayor Kenoi

[Rob Tucker]

http://conews.squarespace.com/hawaii-cou...-puna.html

Tent Bill Veto

From the Hawaii County News web site....

SEPTEMBER 28

Monday
28Sep2009
Mayor Kenoi vetoes tent bill for Puna
Date: Monday, September 28, 2009 at 1:36PM

Mayor Billy Kenoi today vetoed Bill 103, which would allow Puna residents to live in tents on their property while building a home.

In a veto message to the Hawai‘i County Council delivered to the County Clerk today, Mayor Kenoi said the main reason for the veto is that the bill applies only to the District of Puna.

“We are one island and we need to apply laws equally to all residents,” Mayor Kenoi said. “If a bill is good for one district, it should be good for all districts. This bill sets a poor precedent which could lead to a hodgepodge of laws on our island that would be difficult to manage and enforce.”

Mayor Kenoi also said allowing tents only in Puna could unfairly stigmatize the District and depress property values.

“Over the years I have been to Puna many times to speak at schools. In those visits I try to instill in our young people a sense of pride in their community. I ask them to strive for excellence in their lives. I encourage them to work hard to achieve their goals and dreams, and to help make Puna a better place to live for themselves, their families and their community. This bill would counter that positive message by suggesting that a lower standard is OK for Puna. We must set a uniform standard of law for our island that does not suggest that any district is better or worse than any other.”

Kenoi said in the veto message that his office has heard from current Puna homeowners concerned about the county’s ability to enforce the bill and its potential for adverse effects, including declining property values and poor sanitation. “Conversely, I have heard from county residents who do not live in Puna but who desire to live on their property legally while building a home. Yet, they would not have the same opportunity as Puna residents would have under Bill 103.

“Because of the disparate treatment of county residents under this bill, it could be challenged in court and I would not want to spend county resources to defend it.”

No other law in the County that I know of applies only to one district, the Mayor said.

Bill 103 (draft 3) was adopted by an 8-0 vote of the Council on September 2, 2009.

This is the Kenoi administration's first veto of a Council bill.

[JerryCarr]

Well, this is the second time in just a week that I have found myself in agreement with the Mayor. First the school furlough activities and now this. What's next? Might he actually trim some real fat from the budget instead of raiding dedicated funds and selling land? (I understand that they haven't had any offers for the land, anyway.) If that happens, my cynicism might go into a welcome retreat.

[Rob Tucker]

Somehow I thought with his deputy mayor paycheck for several years he'd be more savvy. Mayor Kenoi's a youngster. Maybe he's simply learning on the job.

[Susan]

I too, agree with Mayor Kenoi. Although I probably wouldn't choose to live in a tent while overseeing the building of a residence, it's nice to have the option.

[Bob Orts]

The Mayor's message was a well written rationale why the bill needed to be vetoed.

But, the words mask the reality. This was a scripted political action worked out way before the bill was reintroduced. Everyone played their part to an Academy Award level.

For outstanding acting in a Group Political Performance, the winner is:
Hawaii County Mayor and Council
Conning the Citizens Part Deux

Bravo to the Mayor and Council for their acting performance, and slap-on-the-back-of-the-head to the people if they believe the message as being the reality for the veto.

[Barbara]

This bill was so dear to Emily's heart... maybe she'll re-introduce it so that it could take place island wide! If living in tents in Puna could be OK, it might also work in Kona, Waimea, Hilo, etc. After all, she has a new position on the Council, one supported by the new majority... if it could be good for Puna... Then, again, maybe the council will over-ride the Mayor's veto!!! Stay tuned for as Puna turns

[PaulW]

Bob, what's the reality?

[james weatherford]

quote:

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[i]re-introduce it so that it could take place island wide!

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The original bill DID apply island wide.
The resistance from residents and council members from other districts caused it to be amended to apply only to Puna.



James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park

[Dave Smith]

When was Billy deputy mayor? And since when did the county have such a position?

Billy was never managing director (or even deputy MD), which is the only position that could be considered as such.

[Rob Tucker]

Excuse me. Perhaps you could clarify Billy's position in Mayor Kim's administration. Perhaps I used the term Deputy and should have used Assistant.